Method of processing thread



June 24, 1941. B KLINE ErAL 2,246,735

METHOD OF PROCESSING THREAD Filed Oct. 24, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 1-5 I INVENTORS HAYDEN B. KLINE LOUIS 5. FRYER n/w ALDEN I'L'BURKHOLDERJunk: 24, 1941. H 3 mm; ET AL 312 43339 METHOD OF PROCESSING THREADFiled Oct. 24, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 .FlliS HAYDEN B-KLINE LOUIS 5.FRYER mvn INVENTORS ALDE H. BURKHOLDER I BY am ATTORNEY June 24, 1941. BKUNE ETAL 2,246,735

' METHOD OF PROCESSING THREAD File d Oct. 24, 193a- Sheets-Sheet 5Flu-1.6 v

' f INVEINI'I'ORS' HAYDEN B. KLINE LOUIS 5. FRYER mp ALDEN H. BURKHOLDERI l/l, 1

AT ORNEY H. B. KLIN E ETAL Y METHOD OF PROCESSING THREAD June 24, 1941.

Filed Oct. 24, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheeffi liwcu-rons HAYDEN B. KLINE Lows S.FRYER Mb ALDEN H. BURKHOLDER I Y B l'i L ATTORNEY Jime 24, 1941. v H. B.KLINE ElAL 2,246,735

METHOD OF PROCESSING THREAD Filed Oct; 24, 1938 '7 She ets-Sheet 7 205R5354 15 14 e06 Rt'ELSJ l //5 v 305 REEL-5 5 km; 7v

I FEELS 9 REELS 2 7a R L: a 1 a4 INVENTORS HAYDEN B. KLINE LOUIS- 5.FRYER my ALDEN H. BURKHOLDER ATTRNEY Patented June 24 1941 Hayden B.Kline,

Louis S. Fryer, and Alden H. Burkholder,0leveland, Ohio,

asslgnors to Industrial Rayon. Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, 2:.

' corporation of Delaware Application October 24, 1938, Serial No.236,723

7 Claims;

This invention relates to the processing of thread or the like,hereinafter referred to as thread; particularly, the continuousprocessing of multiple filament artificial silk thread.

In the manufacture, for example, of multiple filament artificial silkthread it is necessary to make as economical-use as possible of thevarious treating liquids employed in the processing of the thread, thisbecause of the large quantities which must be employed and thecomparatively high cost of the treating liquids. Even the cost of thewater used in the manufacture of multiple filament viscose artificialsilk thread is an important factor, not only because of the largequantities used for the several washing treatments but because it isoften necessary to treat the water in order'to obtain the requisitepurity and softness. Indeed, the cost of the water alone might in largemeasure determine the commercial success or failure of a given plant.

' In the ordinary discontinuous systems of manufacturing multiplefilament viscose artificial silk thread; i. e., the pot-spinning. andspool-spinning systems, the thread is subjected to the action of theprocessing liquids while it is wound in the original spin cake or spoolpackage. That is, the thread is treated with liquids while wound in acompact package containing thousands of yards of thread wound layer uponlayer. Of a given amount of liquid applied to the thread package, mostif'not al-l serves ,to process the thread; but it is known-that, due todifliculties 'of penetration of the processing liquid, all portions ofthread in the package are not uniformly processed.

In the continuous processing of multiple filament viscose artificialsilk thread, on the other hand, the thread is usually continuously buttemporarily stored on one or more thread-advancingreels, being subjectedto the action of processing liquids while wound in a helix made up of alarge number of closely spaced turns.

As compared with discontinuous systems, the advantages of manufacturingmultiple filament viscose artificial silk thread by a system involvv ingthe continuous processing of the thread are so great as to have servedin the past as an incentive for numerous attempts to devise a successfulcontinuous processing system. It has long been recognized that acontinuous system of manufacturing multiple filament viscose artificialsilk thread would possess advantages over discontinuous systems inmaking possible savings in time and labor, this for the reason that thenumerous processing treatments which must be applied to the thread maybe performed continuously on a single machine. A continuousmanufacturing system would possess great advantages as regardsthoroughness and uniformity of processing because the thread issubjected to the processing treatment while wound in a 7 single layerand is not processed, as in the discontinuous processes, while wound inpackage form.

It has, however, been found that systems involving the continuousprocessing of the thread are often less economical in their use ofprocessing liquids than discontinuous systems. This arises in part fromthe fact that in continuous systems the thread is processed while woundin a single layer. All of the liquid applied to the thread is not usedin the actual processing of the thread; instead, part of the liquid runsoff the reel and part passes between the turns of thread. Otherdisadvantages have been found to arise from the fact that in some casesintermixing of the processing liquids tends to occur.

The present invention eliminates difficulties arising out of thetendency of continuous processing systems to use more processing liquidsto .process a given amount of thread than discontinuous systems. Itprovides an economy of consumption of processing liquids comparing veryfavorably with that of the discontinuous systems; indeed, in somerespects the present invention makes possible greater economies inrespect of the use of processing liquids than the ordinary discontinuoussystem. Among other things, the invention provides for the recovery andre-use of processing liquids of such nature that they can be re-used. Italso provides for the re-use of processing liquids, such as washingwater, in several different processing steps, in this way providinggreat economies in consumption. Intermingling of the various processingliquids'is prevented, so that the possibility of contamination of thetreating liquids is obviated. 1

For purposes of illustration, the invention is described herein inconnection with the manufacture by a. continuous system of multiplefilament viscose artificial silk thread on apparatus I generally similarto that shown, described and claimed in copending application Serial No.7,114, filed February 18, 1935, by Walter F. Knebusch and Alden H.Burkholder (Patent 2,225,642) It should, however, be understood that theinvention is not limited thereto, but that it may be employed in theprocessing of thread produced by other methods, as, for example, fromcasein, cellulose acetate, cuprammonium cellulose solutions. etc. Asalready indicated, it is applicable not only to the processing ofmultiple filament artificial silk thread, but to the processing ofthread-like articles generally.

In the drawings, in which is shown a preferred form of apparatus for themanufacture by a continuous system of multiple filament viscoseartition, showing portions of two adjacent machines,

each of the type shown in Figure l, with common processingliquid-conveying means disposed therebetween, parts being broken awayfor the sake of clearness.

Figure 6 is a sectional plan of the liquid-conveying elements from line8-8 of Figure 5, parts being broken away for the sake of clearness.Figure 7 is a sectional elevation through one of the constant headsupply boxes along the line- 1--| of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a sectionalelevation through one of the main return boxes on the line 8-8 of Figureor of Figure 9. Figure 9 is a sectional elevation through the return boxon line 9-9 of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a sectional elevation through oneof the junction boxes corresponding to line III-I0 of either Figure 4 orof Figure 11.

Figure 11 is a sectional elevation through the junction box from line II-II of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a section through one of the collectingtroughs corresponding to line I2I2 of Figure 5. Figure 13 is a sectionalelevation of the coagulating liquid supply box for one of the machines,corresponding generally to line I 3-I3 of Figure 5. Figure 14 is adiagrammatic representation of the circulation system of the illustratedmachine.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, two thread-processingmachines generally of the side of ,the coagulating trough I3 on the sideof the machine to which the threads pass. Thus a single coagulatingtrough, accessible from both sides, contains the spinnerets which formthe threads processed on opposite sides of the machine.

The mass tubes II on each side of the coagulating trough receive theviscose through a conduit I! on each side of the machine and extendlengthwise thereof. The viscose is supplied to the side conduits I5 oneach machine through pipes I5a from a conduit I5b which extendslongitudinally of the machine, as shown in Figure 5. The conduit I IDfor each machine is supplied from a pipe I5c disposed between themachines, as shown in Figures 2 and 5. The pipe I 50 for each machinepasses through the floor and communicates with the viscose supply tank,not shown, in the basement.

A waste trough I6 extends lengthwise of the trough I3 along eachlongitudinal edge thereof, such waste trough being disposed between thetrough and the trough apron. The primary purtype disclosed inapplication Serial No, 7,114 are located in end-to-end relation, beingseparated by a space in which are disposed the several supply anddischarge elements for carrying the liquids necessary to process thethread. The supply and discharge elements, located in the space betweenthe two machines handle the processing liquids delivered to and drainedfrom the threadadvancing reels of each machine. Each of the machines ispreferably double-sided; that is, each side of the machine not onlyprovides means for forming the threads but includes the threadadvancingreels upon which such threads are processed.

Upon each side of each machine as many as fifty or more threads II maybe processed, each on its own descending series of thread-advancingreels I to III, inclusive.

Each of the threads I I is formed by extrusion of viscose through aspinneret I2 disposed in a coagulating bath contained in trough I3. Thetrough I3 preferably extends throughout the entire length of eachmachine, having located in it the spinnerets II which form the threadsII for both sides of the machine. The mass tubes I4 which supply theviscose employed in forming the threads to be processed on a given sideof a machine are all mounted on and accessible from the pose of each ofthe waste troughs I6 is to receive any viscose which may be dischargedfrom the mass tubes I4 after they have been swung out of the trough I3to the retracted position indicated by the dotted lines I4','as forcleaning or replacement of spinnerets, etc. A stream of liquid; e. g.,water, is passed continuously through said waste troughs I6 to carryaway such discharged viscose or other waste matter.

The thread passes from each of the spinnerets I 2 to a correspondingthread-advancing reel I disposed above the trough I3, such reel beingsimilar in construction and mode of operation to each of reels 2 to I0,inclusive.

As explained in application Serial No. 7,114, each of the reels I to ID,inclusive, comprises two rigid, rotatable sets of interdigitating barmembers, the axes of said sets being located in offset and inclinedrelation to each other. As the reel rotates, the thread passing'to thereel winds on the reel and is advanced longitudinally thereof in aplurality of closely spaced substantially helical turns. In theillustrated apparatus, as in the apparatus of said prior application,the reel is of cantilever form in that itis supported from one end only.It advances the thread from its supported end to its unsupported end, sothat the thread may be readily removed from the unsupported end of thereel.

In the illustrated apparatus, each reel I is disposed above the trough I3 with its supported end over the trough in such manner that the path ofthe thread in passing from the spinneret to the reel is entirely withinthe confines of the trough. The unsupported end of the reel is locatedbeyond the edge of the trough so that the thread may pass verticallydownward, outside, the trough, to the succeeding reel. In the embodimentillustrated, a channel I! the upper end of which is located directlybeneath the discharge point 01 the reel I is disposed at the edge of thetrough l3 to provide a passage for the thread from the reel I to thesucceeding reel 2.

Inasmuch as no processing liquid is applied to the thread on the reel I,the latter serves to provide an additional period of time forcoagulation of the thread.

Reels 2 to I 0, inclusive, of each descending and its predecessor. Theunsupported ends of all reels are thus presented to the operator. Thisarrangement of reels is disclosed in application Serial No."l,1 14, inwhich are described the many advantages made possible by suchanarrangement.

Upon reel 2 the thread may be subjected to the action of a liquidintended to further the coagulation of the thread. In the illustratedernbodiment of the invention, this solution is applied to thread, suchas its "ieeP or "hand? is applied to the thread while it is stored uponreel 8. The finishing liquid thus applied to the thread is suppliedthrough distributor 36 which communicates with a conduit 51 forming partof the trough 35. A trough 38 is disposed below the reels 8 to col-'lect the liquid used in the finishing operation. Upon reel 9, to whichthe thread proceeds from reel 8, no processing liquid is applied to thethread the thread on the reel 2 from a distributor I8 which communicateswith a conduit II extendin lengthwise of the machine. The reels 2 in allseries on the same side of the machine, as well as all correspondingreels on the opposite side of the machine. are disposed in correspondingpositions, whereby the construction or reagent supply and collectingsystems is greatly simplified. Thus the desired reagent may be suppliedto all of the reels on one side of the machine from a common conduit I9with which the distributors I8 communicate; while the same reagent,after use, may be collected from a plurality of said reels by thecollecting trough 20 extending below the reels 2. The collectingtrough2ll conveys the liquid to one end of the machine, from which theliquid may be removed. In the illustrated embodiment of 1 the invention,the used liquid in all troughs is collected at the end of the machinefrom which the processing liquid is initially supplied.

Reel 3, to which the thread next passes, serves to store the threadwhile'it is subjected to the succeeding treatment, which may be theapplication of a washing liquid, preferably a weak acid solution,through a distributor 2| connected to longitudinally extending conduit22. The conduit 22 is disposed in the illustrated embodiment of theinvention at the iorward portion of and is formed integrally with thecollecting trough 20 underlying the preceding reels 2, as shown inFigure. ,12. The liquid leaving the reels 3 is collected in a trough 23disposed below the reels.'

Reel 4, to which the thread passes from reel 3, stores the thread whileit is subjected to the action of a desulphurizing liquid, such as sodiumsulphide, employed for the purpose of removin the sulphur deposited inand upon the thread as part of the coagulation and regenerationreactions. The sodium sulphide solution is showered upon each reel'4 bya distributor 24 which receives the fluid from the longitudinallyextending conduit 25 forming a part. of the collecting trough 23 belowthe preceding reel 3. The liquid is collected in a trough 26 beneathreel 4, from the unsupported end of which the thread passes to reel 5.Upon the latter. the thread is washed with water delivered fromdistributor 21 connected to longitudinal conduit 28 vforming an integralpart of the collecting trough 26 beneath reels 4. A collecting trough 29is provided to collect the liquid leaving the reels 5.

Upon reel 6, to which the thread next passes,

bleaching solution is applied to the thread by means of a distributor31! connected to a longitudinal conduit 3| iorming part of the trough 29below reels 5. A collecting trough 52 is provided 7 below reels 6. Thethread is washed free of the bleaching solution as it passes over reelI, washing water being delivered to the reel through distributor 33which is supplied with water by means of a longitudinal conduit 84carried by the collecting trough 32 disposed below the reels 0.Collecting trough 35 is disposed below the reels I.

A soaping or oiling emulsion employed for the purpose oiimproving thecharacteristics of the from the conduit; instead, the reels 8 serve as adrip stage to permit the excess finishing liquid to drip from the threadbetore it passes to the drying device. Trough 39 is provided below thereels 9 to catch and remove the liquid which drips i'rom reels 9. I

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, each thread II is driedon a heated reel Ill. The reel I0 is preferably formed with an interiorchamber (not'shown) through which hot water oisome other suitable mediumis circulated by means of supply pipe 42 and return. pipe 43 (Figure 1).These'pipes communicate with suitable recirculating means (not shown)including heating facilities and such, it any, make-up tanks as may benecessary. Each reel I0 is preferably at least partially enclosed in acasing 44 which aids in maintaining constant drying conditions.

After leaving drying reels Hi the threads ll may be collected by anysuitable means: for example, cap twisters 45 which may be rotated andreciprocated vertically in the conventional manner.

The actual installation and parts thereof for the liquid circulationsystem are shown in Figures l to 13, inclusive. Figure 14 is adiagrammatic representation of said system for the circulation of theprocessing liquids which shows the. paths of travel of the variousliquids. While parts in Figure 14 bear the same reference characters as1 is supplied to trough I3 through openings at intervals in pipes 46which extend throughout the length of the trough I3. (Figures 1 and 5.)Pipes 45 communicate with coagulating liquid supply box 41 located abovethe upper surface of the coagulating bath in coagulating trough I3.(Figures 2 and 5.) The supply box 41 is divided into a centralcompartment 48 and opposite end compartments 49 by vertical partitions5!. (Figures 2 and 13.) A weir notch 52 is formed in each partition 5|.Each of the coagulant pipes 46 is connected to one of the endcompartments 45 through a vertical pipe 53. The central compartment 48is supplied with coagulating liquid through a conduit 54.

As shown in Figures 2,- 5 and 14, the coagulant conduit 54 for the lefthand machine in Figure 5 is connected by a cross-pipe 55 to thecoagulant conduit 54 of the right hand machine, which conduit passesthrough the floor and is supplied with liquid from supply or make-uptanks 56 (Figure 14) One or more pumps 51 may be provided to force thecoagulant from tanks 56 up through the pipes 54 to the supply boxes 41.Within the central compartment 48 of each supply box 41 may be locatedan overflow pipe 58 (Figures 2, 5 and 13), the upper end of which iswell above weir notches 52 in partitions 5|.

Overflow pipe 58 discharges into a trough 59 liquid flowing into thecoagulating tank II, can

be very accurately measured.

Trough 59 also receives the fluid discharged through conduits 62 fromthe waste troughs It on opposite sides of the coagulating trough l3.Trough 59 of each machine of Figure 5 discharges into a conduit 63. Asshown in Figures 2 and 5, the conduit 63 for the left hand machine ofFigure 5 runs vertically downward through the floor, while the conduit83 for the right hand machine of Figure 5 communicates with the lefthand conduit 63 through inclined conduit 84,

Trough 59 of each machine of Figure 5 is, as shown in Figures 2 and 5,also provided with an overflow emergency conduit 65.

The entrance of emergency overflow conduit 65 is above the entrance ofconduit 63, which extends vertically alongside this machine.- Theemergency overflow conduit 65 for the left hand,

machine runs vertically downward through the floor, lying in back ofconduit 65 (Figure 5). The conduit 65 for the right hand machine ofFigure 5 is connected by an inclined conduit 58 to the conduit 55 forthe left hand machine, such conduits 65 and 66 lying directly in back ofconduits 63 and 54 for the right hand machine. The discharges from thecombined conduits it and from the combined conduits 85 may be emptiedinto a sewer or, if desired, the reagents contained in them may berecovered.

To maintain a constant depth of fluid in the coagulating trough it ofeach machine, elevated overflow pipes 61 are provided at intervals inthe trough along the length thereof, as shown to advantage in Figure 1.These overflow pipes '1 discharge into a common conduit 68 extendinglengthwise of the machine beneath trough II as shown in Figures 1, 2 and5. As is apparent from Figures 2 and 5, on each machine conduit 68 isconnected to a vertical return pipe 69. The return pipe 69 for the righthand machine in Figure 5 runs vertically downward through the floor tothe storage and make-up tanks 58 below the floor. The return pipe 89 forthe left hand machine in Figure 5 does not do so but is connected totheretum pipe 69 of the right hand machine by cross pipe 10.

On each machine, a bypass valve 12 may be provided, as shown in Figures2, 5 and 14, to connect the return pipe 58 to the waste conduit 85through pipe 13. A valve 14 may, as shown in Figures 2 and 14, also bedisposed in each return pipe 69. By opening valve 12 and suitableadjustment of valve 14, part or all of the returned coagulating liquidis returned to the make-up tanks 56. However, at intervals it may bedesired to remove a certain amount of coagulating liquid which may bespent and replace it with fresh liquid, in which case valves 12 and I4are of use. Furthermore, in emergencies or whenever else desired, it ispossible to pass all of the liquid to the sewer.

As shown in Figure 14, the coagulating liquid is forced by means ofpumps 51 from storage tanks .the sewer through the bypass valve I2, bysuitable adjustment of said valve and of valve 14.

The conduits I! which supply the desired reagent. which may be acoagulating liquid, to the distributor pipes It for the reels 2 onopposite sides of each machine are joined by a transverse conduit I5 asshown in Figures 3, 4 and 6. Each conduit 15 is connected by conduit 18to one end of a constant head supply box 11. The reagent for reels 2 issupplied to constant head box 11, shown in enlarged scale in Figure '7,through conduit it from storage tanks 19 by means of one or morecirculating pumps 8| (Figures 2 and 14). One of the sides of box 11 isprovided with an overflow portion v82 having a weir plate II which maybe adjustable to vary the head of liquid in the box.

Liquid somewhat in excess of the amount supplied to the reels 2 issupplied to the box 11, the excess flowing out of the box over the weirplate 83 into return conduit 84, so that a constant head is maintainedin the box. By adjusting the height of the top surface of weir plate 83,the head of liquid in the box 11 may be regulated, as by placing a platehaving suitable height in the slot adapted to receive the plate, and inthis manner the volume of the liquid flowing. into conduits It on bothsides of the two machines may be controlled. The constant head box 11and particularly the top surface 01' weir plate 53 are sufllcientlyabove the level of conduit; I I and distributing conduits It to providea suincient head to supply the processing liquid to all reels 2 on bothsides of both machines. Accurate control of the amount of and pressureof liquid supplied to conduits l9 and to the distributor pipes i8 isthus effected. This is extremely desirable, since thus the liquid can beeconomically used and the processing conditions on the reels 2accurately adjusted.

Conduit 84 discharges into a return box 85, as is shown to goodadvantage in Figures 2, 5 and 14. Communicating with the bottom ofreturn box 85 shown in enlarged scale in Figures 8 and 9 is a returnpipe 86 which leads to the storage and make-up tanks 19. In this mannerall of the excess liquid which flows over weir plate 83 oi. the constanthead box 82 may be returned to the tanks 19 for re-use.

As is apparent from Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the processing liquid whichhas been applied to the reels 2 and has been collected in the troughs 20below said reels on opposite sides of each machine is delivered by pipes81 to a common junction box 88 fixed to such machine. The box 08 isshown in enlarged scale in Figures 10 and 11. From the bottom of thejunction box 88 on each machine a pipe 89 carries the liquid to thereturn box 85. Thus the acid solution which has been applied to thethread on reels 2 on both sides 01' the two machines is caused to jointhe chine.

and as shown to advantage in Figures 8 and 9. the return box 85 isformed with an internal partition 9| the top edge of which is somewhatbelow the upper surface of the box but a substantial distance above thebottom of the box.

This partition separates the return box 85 Into compartments 92 and 93.The lower ends of conduits 69 lie rln notches 94 in opposite side wallsof the return box and deliver into compartment 93, as does return pipe84 from the constant headbox 11; Conduit 86 leading to the tanks I I8 isconnected to compartment 93. Comparterationto free the thread of thecoagulant bement 92 on the opposite side of partition 9| deliversthrough pipe 95 into inclined emergency discharge pipe 66. Therefore, iifor any reason the liquid is supplied to return box 85 at a greater ratethan it can beremoved therefrom by return conduit 86, as because ofclogging of the conduit 86, the liquid overflow partition 9| and passesinto the sewer.

The flow of the liquid supplied to the reels 2 is apparentfrom Figure14. The liquid is supplied from tanks 19, being forced by one or morepumps 8| through conduit I8 to the constant head box II. A constant headis maintained in said box by a weir, as explained above, the excessliquid passing through pipe 84 to the junc-' fore it passes to thesucceeding alkaline desulphurizing operation. It has been found, howevethat if the washing liquid is weakly acidic, beneficial results areobtained because of the fact that the iormation of precipitates on thethread,

which tend to form because of the use of salts in the coagulating bath,is prevented. Yet, the treating liquid applied to the thread on reels 3should be only weakly acidic, since an acid concentration greater than avery small amount would result in difliculties in the succeeding altionbox 85, whence it passes-through return pipe 86 to the tanks 'i9. Theliquid in the overflow box which does not pass over the weir passesthrough pipes I6 to the transverse pipes I5, one for each machine,which,,connect the conduits I9 extending longitudinally of the machine.The liquid is applied to the thread on the reels 2 and is collected introughs 20. The collected liquid flows from the troughs 20 on oppositesides of each machine to a junction box 88 on the ma- The discharge fromthe return box 80 for two adjacent machines passes through pipes 80 tojunction box 05, from whence it returns to tanks I9 through pipe 86.

The washing liquid applied to the thread on reels 3 is supplied fromstorage tanks 86 (Figure 14). By means of one or-more pumps 01, theliquid is delivered through conduit 98 to constant head supply box 99which may, as shown. be disposed below and be substantially identical toconstant head supply box II (Figures 2, 5 and 14). The overflow fromthis constant head box returns directly to the storage tanks 96 througha conduit I00. From each end of box 99, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, aconduit IN is connected by means of a transverse conduit I02 (Figures 2,3, 4, 5, 6 and 14) to the conduits 22 extending longitudinally'alongopposite sides of each machine. On each machine, the liquid which issupplied to the reels 3 through distributors 2I from conduits 22 iscollected in'the corresponding collecting troughs 23. The liquidcollected in the troughs on each machine passes through pipes I03 to ajunction box I04 located immediately below junction box 88 as shown inFigures 3 and l. From'junction box I04 on each machine the liquid passesthrough a conduit I05 to a main return box I06.'

Return box I06 is similar in construction to main return box 85. In theillustrated embodiment, from the bottom of return box I06 the returningliquid flows through conduit IN to an overflow weir box I08 (Figure 14).The latter passes the excess part of the liquid to the sewer and returnsthe remainder to the storage and make-up tanks ,96. Return box I06,which is similar to the previously described return box 85, is alsoprovided with a partition over which kallne des'ulphurizing stage.

The sodium sulphide solution for the desulphurizing operation, whichsolution is applied to the thread stored on reels 4, is contained instorage and make-up tanks I I2. Byfmeans of pumps I I3 this fluid isdelivered through conduit IM to constant head supplyv box II5. A conduitH0 leads the solution from each end of box M5 to a transverse conduitII'I (Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 14) which is connected to the twolongitudinal conduits 25 on opposite sides of the corresponding machine.

The liquid applied to the reels t on each machine from the conduits 25through the agency of the distributor pipes 20' is collected in thetroughs 26. The liquid from reels 0 collected in the troughs on oppositesides of each machine is conducted through pipes M8 to junction box H9(Figures 3.4 and 14). A. conduit I2I conveys the liquid from eachjunction box to a main return box 22 (Figures 5 and 14). Alsodischarging into return box I22 is conduit I23 leading from the overflowweir of constant head supply box II5. All of the fluid so delivered intoreturn box I22 is returned through conduit I24 to the storage tanks H2,thus completing a closed circuit.

Any overflow of the liquid in return box I22 discharges through conduitI25 into emergency discharge conduit 66.

The washing liquid for reels 5 originates in make-up storage tanks I26,which, as will be described later, receive the liquid which has beenused to wash the thread on reels I after the thread has been subjectedto bleaching liquid on reels 5 (Figure 14) One or more pumps I2I deliverthe liquid from said tanks through conduit I28 to constant head supplybox I29 for the reels 5. The overflow. from box I29 passes throughconduit I3I and is returned indirectly to the tanks I26, as willhereinafter appear. This return is for the purpose of re-supplying theoverflowing washing liquid to the reels 5 before it is con-' 1 duit I33is connected to conduits 28 which extend longitudinally of the machineon each side thereof and supply the liquid to the reels 8 through theSince the washing liquid, after use on reels 5,

is passed to a tank difl'erent from the tank in which the liquidoriginated, the liquid is not recirculated back through the sameprocessing stage as was the case in connection with the processingoperations previously discussed. This is desirable, among other reasons,because it prevents the cumulative concentration in the washing liquidof the desulphurizing liquid carried by the thread from the precedingprocessing stage. Such concentration, of course, would be undesirable inwashing liquid, the purpose of which is to wash the thread free of suchdasulphurizing liquid.

In the illustrated embodiment, the washing liquid after use on reels andafter being collected in tank I29 is caused to flow by one or more pumpsI42 through pipe I48 to the branched pipe I44, one branch of whichpasses to each machine and through suitable connections delivering thewashing liquid to the waste troughs I8 on each side of each machine, asshown in Figures 2, 5 and 14. As has been indicated, the liquid passingthrough the waste troughs I8 passes through conduits 82 into box 59,from which it discharges to the sewer through conduit 89.

The bleaching solution to which the thread is subjected on reels 8 iscontained in make-up and storage tanks I (Figure 14). By means of one ormore pumps I48 this liquid is delivered through conduit I" to constanthead supply box I48. A conduit I49 at each end or supply box I49 conveysthe bleaching liquid to conduit I5I extending transversely of thecorresponding machine as shown in Figures 2, 3, .4, 5, 6, and 14. Oneach machine, the transverse conduit I5I supplies the liquid to theconduits 2| which extend longitudinally of the machine on opposite sidesthereof and supply liquid to the reels 8 through distributors 98, as isadvantageously shown in Figure 1.-

The bleaching liquid collected in collecting troughs 82 disposed belowthe reels 8 on opposite sides of each machine is conveyed throughinclined conduits I52 to a junction box I59 fixed to each machine asshown in Figures 3 and 4. The liquid from each junction box I53 isdelivered through inclined conduit I54 to a main return box I55. Thebleaching liquid which overflows the weir of constant head box I49passes through conduit I58 to the main return box I55. All of the liquidthus collected in box I is delivered through conduit I51 to the supplytanks I45. Thus a circulation system for the bleaching liquid isprovided. In case of an emergency overflow of liquid in the main returnbox I55, the liquid may pass through conduit 158 into the emergencydischarge conduit 88.

For reasons which will be apparent hereinafter, the liquid applied tothe thread on the next reels I is preferably fresh wash water. Water ofthe desired degree of purity and softness may be supplied from asuitable source, as through conduit I59- to constant head Supp y boxI88. Since the source of .water is ordinarily outside the manufacturingplant, no water storage tanks are ordinarily necessary in associationwith the machines. If desired, the admission of water from conduit I59into supply box I88 may be controlled by a float within the supp y box,but the supply may also be conveniently controlled as shown by a valve"I in conduit I59, the flow being in excess 01' that necessary so thatsome fluid always overflows the weir of the box- I88 into pipe I82, thuskeeping a constant head on the distributors supp ying liquid to thereels.

The wash water is conducted to each machine from supply box I88 througha conduit I88 which communicates with a transverse conduit I84,

connecting with longitudinal reel supp y conduits 34 on opposite sidesoi each machine as shown in Figures 2, 3. 4, 5, 6, and 14.

From the collecting troughs 85 disposed beneath reels 1 on the oppositesides of each machine, the wash water is conveyed through inclinedconduits I88 to junction box I88 flxed to the machine as shown inFigures 3 and 4. A conduit I81 carries the liquid from each junction boxI88 to the main return box I88, which communicates with storage tanksI28 through conduit I88. From tanks I28 the liquid passes to the supplybox I29, and is used trfwash the thread on reels 8. as was previouslyexplained and as is apparent from Figure 14.

According to the invention, the liquid which has discharged over theweir in the constant head supply box I29 for reels 5 into conduit Illand the liquid which has discharged over the weir in constant headsupply box I58 for the reels I and which passes through conduit I82 arecombined and passed to the tanks I28 through return box I88 and conduitI89. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the overflowconduit I2I from the supply box I28 and the overflow conduit I82 fromthe supply box I88 join in the Y coupling III, as shown in Figure 5.Return box I88 may be provided with an overflow partition andcommunicate with the emergency discharge conduit through conduit I12, ina manner similar to other return boxes.

The nature of the contamination of the wash water which occurs after thewater has been used to wash the thread on reels 1 is such that the wateris entirely suitable for washing the thread on reels 5 after thedesulphurizing operation on reels 4. This arises out of the fact thatboth the desulphurizing and bleaching liquids are alkaline, as a resultof which is obviated the production of undesirable reaction products ifthe washing water from reels 1 containing a slight amount of alkalinebleaching liquid is used to wash the thread immediately after thedes'ulphurizing operation, when it contains alkaline desulphurizingliquid. Moreover, the bleaching solution itself is very dilute, so thatthe liquid leaving the washing stage on reels 1 after the-bleachingstage on reels 8 is only slightly contaminated. It is because of thesefacts that the liquid in conduit I89 after leaving reels I is deliveredto storage tanks I28 for use in washing the thread stored on reels 5.Because the liquid overflowing the weir of supply box I29 into conduitIII is of the same character as the liquid in the storage tanks I28,since the liquid was pumped from tanks I28, conduit III is connected toreturn such liquid to storage tanks I28. The overflow from supply boxI88 into conduit I82 serves to further dilute the originally very weakconcentration of bleaching liquid in the wash water contained in tankI28 because such overflow liquid is fresh water;

The finishing liquid which is applied to the thread stored on reels 8 iscontained in storage and make-up tanks I14. By means of one or morepumps I15 this liquid ls delivered through conduit I18 to constant headsupply box I'll. For each machine, a conduit I18 leads from supplyboxII'I to a transverse conduit I18, which connects with thelongitudinal conduits 81 on opposite sides of the-machine as is shown toadvantage in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,- and 14. The liquid collected in thetroughs 88 on opposite sides of each machine drains through conduits I8lto junction box I82.

A conduit I83 carries the liquid from each junction box I82 to a commonmain return box I84. The liquid overflowing from over the weir ofconstant head supply box Ill is conducted through conduit I85 to themainreturn box I 8|.

, The liquid so-collected in box I88 returns through conduit I86 to thestorage tanks Ill thus com= pleting the cycle. As in the case ofpreviously described return boxes, return box I88 provides emergencyoverflow through conduit I81 to emergency discharge conduit 68.

As has been pointed out, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention,each reel 8 serves as a drip reel. For this reason no liquid is suppliedto longitudinal conduits 88. The liquid which is carried by the threadfrom reels 8 to reels 8 and which drips from the thread while stored onreels 8 is collected in troughs 38. Troughs 88 on opposite sides of eachmachine are connected through conduits I81 to a junction box I88 asshown in Figures 3 and 4.

From each junction box I88 a conduit I88 leads to a return box I9I(Figure illustrated, the liquid collected in return box I8I is discardedto'waste by connecting its outlet with the emergency discharge conduit86. One suitable manner of causing the finishing liquid collected inreturn box I8I to pass into the emergency sewer pipe withoutsubstantially changing the construction of any part is to stop theoutlet in the return box corresponding to the outlet from compartment 83of the return box illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, so that the liquidwill overflow the partition in the return box i8! and dischargev throughconduit I82 into the emergency discharge conduit 88. Of course, the finishing liquid in return box I8I may be conducted to storage tanks I'llfor re-use, if desired.

Thereafter, each thread passes from its reel 8 to the correspondingdrying reel I8, after which it is collected on. the corresponding captwister l5;

Thus it can be seen that the present invention makes possible the reuseand recirculation of such liquids as may advantageously be re-used'. Inthis way it provides great economy of con- In the machine liquidfinishing step, which may be oiling or soaping. 1

Water collected after such use being slightly alkaline from thebleaching liquid washed from the thread, is employed to Wash the threadstored on reels 5 free of the alkaline desulphurizing liquid applied tothe threads on reels 4. Thus the hydrogen ion concentrations of thetreating liquids applied to the thread before both of said washingoperations lie in ranges which are compatible: so that no undesirablereactions,

which, for instance, could cause the formation of salts'on the thread,can result. That is, in the illustrated apparatus the liquid which hasbeen used to wash the thread free of an alkaline processing liquid isnot used to wash the thread free of an acid processing liquid, or viceversa.

The washing water which has been used twice fordifle'rent washingoperations is then used in the waste troughs alongside the coagulatingtroughs of the two machines before being passed to the sewer.

It is obvious, however, that under suitable circumstances, water whichmay have been employed to wash the thread after an alkaline treatingstage may be employed to wash vthe thread after. an acidic treatingstage or vice versa; indeed, it has been found possible to wash thethread with pure -water after the bleaching stage, to use this water forwashing after the desulphurizing stage, thence to employ such twiceusedwater for washing after the acidic treating stage, and then to pass thewater to the aforesaid waste trough .or to the sewer. The illustratedsystem, however, is preferable.

Thus a very economical use is made possible of the washing water, whichordinarily is expensive because of the degree of purity and softnesswhich is required in the manufacture of artificial silk thread. Indeed,actual experiments have shown that when this feature of the invention isnot employed and fresh wash water is applied on each of the washingstages, from two to three times as much water must be used to produce agiven quantity of thread as isrequired when the water 'is recirculatedaccording to the present sumption of processing liquids and thus elim- Iinvention. Actual experience has'revealed that if this feature of thepresent invention were not employed, the cost of the water required towash the thread thoroughly might be so great as to impair the commercialfeasibility of the continuous processing apparatus. According to thepresent invention, however, even less water may actually be required perpound of thread-than in the conventional discontinuous processes.

Preferably, a plurality of storage tanks is provided for each of thevarious liquids necessary in the manufacture of the thread. Likewise, itis preferable to provide a plurality of pumps to circulate such liquid.With a plurality of tanks and pumps it is possible to take one of thetanks or pumps out of commission if necessary, as for repairs, cleaning,or the like, without stopping the machine asa whole. In actual practiceit is preferable that only one pump be employed while another pump isidle to serve as a standby unit.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention an upper platform I 93 iscarried by both machines so that an operator standing thereon can haveaccess to the spinnerets I2 mass tubes I4,

spinning pumps, coagulating trough I3, reels I and the like. A lowerplatform I84 is provided along each side of each machine to permit anoperator standing thereon to have access to the reels! to 8, inclusive,on which wet thread is 8 I a,aee,vss

stored. An operator standing on the floor below the production oi a likenumber threads, it v has been found desirable tosubdivide theproofequipment into sections say of 10. reels each. The variouscollecting troughs disposed below the reels can be long enough to extendun'-' der the corresponding reels in one section. Be: tween sections thecorresponding collecting troughs may be connected by suitable couplings,such as those shown inFiguresS and dottheillustrated apparatus, forsupplying and removing liquid'i'rom the collecting troughs. In theillustrated apparatus, flexibie couplings I" are provided tor connectingthe collecting troughs to the drain pipes, and may be provided forconducting the collected liquid from the col-'- lecting trough for onesection to the corresponding trough for the adjacent section. Such cou-'plings may be made of rubber if desired and be slipped over suitableboss portions on the troughs and clamped thereon. Similar couplings Illmay be provided as shown to connect the conduits formed in the troughswith the liquid supply pipes and may also be provided to connect theconduits in adjacent troughs. In the apparatus shown, an inclinedchannelled member I9! is also disposed on the frame of the machine beloweach row'of couplings. Said channelled member communicates with thesewer through conduit Ill and serves to collect any liquid which mightleak from the couplings or be discharged from the troughs if, forinstance, a trough is replaced for any reason.

The liquid thrown off the reels'on each side of the machine duringrotation thereof tends to cause a current ,in the liquid collected inthe troughs below the reels. If, as in the illustrated apparatus, thereels on both sides of each machine rotate in the same direction withrespect to a person facing the free ends of the reels, this current isdirected toward one end of the machine on one side oi the machine whileit is directed toward the other end of the machine on the other side;whereas the collected liquid is withdrawn from the troughs only at oneend of the machine. No particular difllculties occur 'with most of theprocessing liquids applied on the reels. However, it has been found thatthe liquids applied to the thread on reels 2, 3 and 4 have a tendency to10am up at the end of the machine remote from the liquid collectingmeans on the side in which the artificial current induced by the liquiddischarged from the reelsis directed away from the collecting means. Ithas therefore been found desirable to connect the far ends of thecorresponding troughs on opposite sides of the machine together as byconduits I99 as shown in Figure 1.

In the illustrated apparatus, the constant head supply boxes 11, 99,II5,v I29, I48, I60, and I" are identical in construction and aredisposed in stacked relation, the supply box for the flrst processingliquid applied to the thread being disposed at the top and the othersbelow it in sequence. The boxes are shown as being supported by verticaluprights "bat the corners -oi the boxes, which uprights are supported bycross beams 20I carried by vertical beams 20! and Ill. The variousjunction boxes 88, I04, 9, I35, I53,

m, m, and m for each machine may be disposed asshown in Figures 3 and 4inverticsl arrangement. The Junction boxes for each machine may beidentical, as shown. Each of the boxes may be fastened to the end of itscorresponding 5 machine by bolts through lugs I, which are shown toadvantageinl 'igures and 11.

. The main return boxes ll, I08, I22, I31, I", 4, I. and III are, in theillustrated embodiment, mounted on an inclined beam 205 so that 10 theyare in eflect in stepped relation. The top of each-return box isdisposed alongside of and below the top of the proceeding box. Each ofthe return boxes, has been indicated, has an emergency discharge conduitconnected to the inclined conduit It which extends between the two ma- Ime'mm arrangement of the main return ,boxes is advantageous for severalreasons. The

tops oi the boxes are all readily accessible to an 2 operator and henceconduits discharging therein can befeasily removed. "Moreover, thereturn boxes are readilyaccessible to an operator deairing to; test thecomposition of the various processing liquids. It is a simplematter'i'or him to withdraw from the corresponding return box a sampleof the liquid. 11 any of the liquid is found to'be too weak or toostrong, a strengthening addition or a dilution might be supplied to thecorresponding makeup storage tank or even,

ii desired, to the return box itself. It is desirable to check atfrequent intervals the composition 0! the coagulating liquid, the acidapplied on reels 2, the washing liquid applied on reels 3, thedesulphurizing liquid applied on reels 4, the bleaching solution appliedon reels I, and the emulsion solution applied on reels 8. Such liquids,with, of course, the exception of the coagulating bath liquid, can bereadily checked in the corresponding return box.

As has been explained above, the weir plates in each of the constanthead supply boxes may be i made adjustable to secure the desiredpressure on the reagent distributors with which said constant headsupply box is empl y In t 118- trated apparatus, provision has also beenmade for adjusting the amount of processing liquid flowing into eachconstant head supply box. By means oi valve 2 in the conduit supplyingliquid to each constant head supply box the quantity of liquid flowinginto the box may be accurately controlled, or entirely shut 01!, itdesired. Any ad- Justment oi the flow of processing liquid into theconstant head supply box should preferably result in a flow of liquidsufllcient'to cause overflowing at the weir associated with the box, sothat a constant head of liquid can be maintained in the,

box.

As is apparent from the drawings, the apparatus illustrated as embodyingthe invention makes possible'a compact, eflicient arrangement 0!conduits tor the circulation of the numerous processing liquids which itis necessary or desirable toappiy to the thread. Because the conduitsand other parts of the liquid conveying the apparatus are disposedbetween the two ends of the machines, considerable economies in floorspace are provided. The same holds true as to economies in construction,since various parts such as the constant head supply boxes and thereturn boxesmay be used in common for both machines'and thus save thecost of duplication.

The above-described embodiment of the invention is purely illustrativeand various changes may be made therein without departing from thespirit of the present invention. The conduits and made of hard rubber orBakelite because of their lightness. The reels are conveniently oiBakelite with the exception of the drying reel, which is preferably ofaluminum; but other materials may be employed, if desired.

In the appended claims, the term thread" is intended to include, besidesthread per se, materials such as filaments, bundles of filaments fromwhich staple fiber is formed, artificial horsehair, artificial straw,artificial ribbons, and other materials capable of being processedaccording to the teachings of the present invention. It is intended thatthe patent shall cover, by suitable expression in the appended claims,whatever features of patentable novelty reside in the invention.

What is claimed is:

i. The method of continuously processing freshly spun viscose threadcomprising continuously passing the thread endwise in the form of atraveling helix made up of a large number of closely spaced generallyhelical turns through each of a plurality of spaced treating stages;continuously applying processing liquid to the thread in each of saidtreating stages, said processing liquid being collected after it hasbeen applied to the thread in such stage; and continuously employing theprocessing liquid that has been collected in a later one of saidtreating stages to process the thread in at least one of the earlier ofsaid treating stages, said earlier treating stage continuouslycollecting the washing medium applied to the thread in at least one ofsaid succeeding treating stages; and continuously applying the collectedwashing medium to the thread in an earlier of said succeeding treatingstages.

4. The method of continuously processing freshly spun viscose threadcomprising continuously passing the thread endwise in the form ofseparated from said later treating stage by at least one intermediatetreating stage in which a difierc-nt processing liquid is applied to thethrea 2. '1'? .e method of continuously processing fresh y spun viscosethread comprising continuously passing the thread endwise in the form ofa traveling helix made up of a large number of closely spaced generallyhelical turns through each of a plurality of spaced treating stages;continuously applying processing liquid to the thread ineach of saidtreating stages, said processing liquid being collected after it hasbeen applied to the thread in such stage; and continuously employing theprocessing liquid that has been collected in a treating stage whichtends to contaminate such liquid to a lesser extent to process thethread in at least one other treating stage which tends to contaminatethe processing liquid to a greater extent but which is separatedtherefrom by at least one intermediate treating stage in which adifierent processing liquid is applied to the thread.

3. The method of continuously processing freshly spun viscose threadcomprising continuously passing the thread endwise in the form of atraveling helix made up of a large number of closely spaced generalLvhelical turns through a plurality of spaced treating stages succeedingeach of which is at least one other treating stage;

continuously applying a liquid to the thread in each of said spacedtreating stages and in each of said succeeding treating stages, thethread being subjected in at least two of said spaced treating stages totreatment with separate ionica traveling helix made up of a large numberof closely spaced generally helical turns through each of a plurality ofspaced treating stages;

continuously applying a processing medium to the thread in each of saidtreating stages, the processing media applied to the thread in saidtreating stages including in sequence desulphuriz'ing, washing,bleaching and washing media; and continuously employing the washingmedium which has been used to wash the thread after the bleaching stageto wash the thread after the desulphurizing stage.

5. The method of manufacturing artificial sill: thread by a continuousprocess comprising forming the thread in a longitudinally extendingcoagulating trough having adjacent thereto a waste trough extendinglongitudinally thereof in which waste trough a stream of liquid isemployed to wash away waste material; continuously passing the threadfrom said forming means endwise in the form of a traveling helix made upof a large number of closely spaced generally helical turns through eachof a'plurality of treating stages; continuously applying a processingliquid to the thread in each of said treating stages, similar processingliquid being applied to the thread in at least two of said treatingstages; continuously employing processing liquid which has been used toprocess the thread in a later treating stage to process the thread in atleast one of the earlier treating stages separated from said latertreating stage by at least one intermediate treating stage in which adifferent processing liquid is applied to the thread; and thereaftercontinuously supplying the same processing liquid to said ally activeprocessing media having hydrogen Q ion concentrations falling in acompatible range and in the treating stages succeeding said spacedtreating stages to treatment with washing media;

waste trough for the purpose of washing away waste material.

6. The method of manufacturing artificial silk thread by a continuousprocess comprisingforming the thread in a longitudinally extendingcoagulating trough having adjacent-thereto a waste trough extendinglongitudinally thereof in which waste trough a stream of liquid isemployed to wash away waste material; continuously passing the threadfrom said forming means endwise in the form of a traveling helix made upof a large number of closely spacedgenerally helical turns through eachof a plurality of treating stages; continuously applying a processingliquid to the thread in each of said treating stages; continuouslyemploying processing liquid which has been used to process the thread inthe stage which tends to contaminate suchliquid to a lesser exsuchre-use of the processing liquid, continuously sup lying such processingliquid to said waste trough for the purpose of washing away wastematerial.

7. The method of manufacturing viscose artificial silk thread bya.continuous process comprising iorming the thread in a longitudinallyextending coagulating trough having adjacent thereto a. waste troughextending longitudinally thereof in which waste trough a stream oiliquid is employed to wash away waste material; continuously passing thethread from said forming means endwise in the form ,of a traveling helixmade up of a large number 01 closely spaced generally helical turnsthrough each of a plurality of treating stages; continuously applying aprocessing liquid to the thread in each oi said treating stages, theprocessing liquids thus applied to the thread including in sequencedesulphurizing,

mamas washing, bleachingand washing liquids; continuously employingwashing liquid which has been used to wash the thread aiterthe bleachingstage to wash the thread after the desulphurizing stage; and, after suchre-use of the washing liquid, continuously supplying such washing liquidto said waste trough tor the purpose of washing away waste material,

' HAYDEN B. KLINE.

LOUIS S. FRYER.

ALDEN H. BURKHOLDER.

' CERTIFICATE OF CORREGTION.

' Patent No 2,2u6,755. June at, 191m.

HAYDEN B. KLINE, ET AL.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 2,sec 0nd column, line 75, for the word "opposite" read "appositepage 5,first column, line 9'8, for "return" read -jun'ction--; line 14.0, for"Junetion", read --return--; same page, second column, line [1,5, forthe reference numeral "22" read --l22--; page 6, first column, line for"machne" read -1 nachine--; and that the said Letters Patent shouldberead with this correction therein that the same may conform to therecordof the case in the'Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 25rd day of September, A. D. 191 11.

7 Henry, Van Arsdale, (Seal), Acting Commissioner of Patents.

